The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System

• 1.
  THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Chemical Messengers Inside theHuman Body
• 2.
  What is theEndocrine System?  The Endocrine System uses chemical messages to control and coordinate the body.  These chemicals are called Hormones.  A hormone is a specific type of chemical messenger molecule synthesized and secreted by a group of specialized cells called an endocrine gland.
• 3.
  Is there morethan one type of hormone? Yes!  Hormones are categorized into three classes, based upon their structure:  Steroids – lipids derived from cholesterol Example: Testosterone  Peptides – short chains of amino acids Example: Insulin  Amines – derived from a specific amino acid called Tyrosine. Example: Epinephrine
• 4.
  What are EndocrineGlands?  Endocrine glands are ductless, which means that their secretions (hormones a.k.a. chemical messengers) are released directly into the bloodstream.  These chemical messengers then travel through the blood stream to target organs. The hormones then regulate or cause a specific function to take place in the target organ(s).
• 5.
  What are thedifferent glands and organs that make up the Endocrine System?
• 6.
  The Major Glands& Functions:  The Hypothalamus & Pituitary Glands: The pituitary gland is under the control of the hypothalamus. Together, they control many other endocrine functions. They secrete a number of hormones, especially those that are important to the female menstural cycle, pregnancy, birth, and lactation.  Thyroid Gland: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature and weight. The thyroid hormones contain iodine, which is necessary to survive. To encourage iodine consumption, the government requested that salt manufacturers add iodine to salt.  The Pancreas: This organ has many functions, but in the Endocrine System, its primary function is to secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugars.  The Adrenal Glands: These glands sit atop of the kidneys. The parts of this gland secrete Adrenaline, and other similar hormones min response to stressors such as fright, anger, caffeine, or low blood sugar.  The Gonads (Sex Organs): The male testes and female ovaries secrete hormones to regulate reproductive cycles and functions.  The Pineal Gland: This gland is located in the center of the brain, and is stimulated by the nerves from the eyes. This gland is responsible for producing Melatonin which makes you tired. The Pineal gland helps keep your body on a regulated time clock.
• 7.
  Let’s Summarize:  The endocrine system is one of the body’s main systems for communicating, controlling and coordinating the body’s work. It works with the nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys, gut, liver, pancreas and fat to help maintain and control the following:  body energy levels  reproduction  growth and development  internal balance of body systems (called homeostasis)  Responses to surroundings, stressors and injury